Exploratory coalition talks in Germany point way ahead on defence

Sebastian Schulte, Cologne - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

19 January 2018

The leadership of Germany’s two largest parties, the Social Democrats and Christian Democrats, have achieved a breakthrough and found common ground in their exploratory talks, the first step before actual negotiations on the continuation of the grand coalition between the two parties can commence. The parties have produced a draft paper, which has been seen by Jane’s , outlining the basis of these future coalition talks, with several references to the Bundeswehr and defence.

In the paper, the parties reject outright "killing by autonomous weapon systems in violation of international law". Observers in Berlin point out that this could have a direct impact soon on the Heron TP unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programme, which the Bundeswehr is seeking for reconnaissance missions and can be armed for certain operations.

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